Newer coal-fired power stations break down more often per gigawatt than older power generators, the Australia Institute has found.

The reliability of “high efficiency low-emissions” coal fired power plants is being questioned, with a new report finding they break down more often per gigawatt than older generators.

Australia’s newest coal power station, the 12-year-old Kogan Creek Power Station in Queensland, broke down six times last year, the Australia Institute found.

“These new supercritical coal plants are touted by proponents as ‘high efficiency, low emissions’ coal plants, but this could not be further from the truth … they are more emissions-intensive than renewable energy and even gas,” the Australia Institute’s Richie Merzian said.